Caps flew and tassles were airborn as 41 members of the Ellsworth High School Class of 2023 graduated Sunday.

“As we leave Ellsworth High School, we’re all headed in different directions,” senior Aleyna Womelsdorf said.

“Some of us will go on to college, some to trade school and some the workforce. But no matter where we end up, we’ll always carry the lessons we learned here.”

She and fellow graduate Chase Bourbon gave the senior address to a packed gymnasium.

“It’s a day that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” Bourbon said. “We’ve come a long way since our first day of freshman year.

We’ve experienced highs and lows, challenges and triumphs.

We’ve made lifelong friends and learned valuable lessons.

Looking back, it is amazing how much we’ve grown and accomplished together.”

The 139th commencement of Ellsworth High School included a welcome by graduate Byron Johnson.

“We celebrate not only Ellsworth’s senior class, but our families, our teachers, our coaches, our friends, the administration and the school board,” he said. “All of you have helped us along this journey in some way.”

In addition to the diplomas, scholastic honors were also awarded.

Bearcat Award: Byron Johnson, Greta Klein NCAA All-League Academic Awards: Chase Bourbon, Byron Johnson, Greta Klein Kansas Curriculum Completers: Byron Johnson, Nya Rippert KSHSAA Citizenship Award: Greta Klein, Isaac Lindsley Dale M. Dennis Excellence in Education: Nya Rippert Scholastic Honor Group: Chase Bourbon, Cade Gwinner, Byron Johnson, Nya Rippert Exceptional Academic Performance: Chase Bourbon, Nya Rippert, Britain Schmidt Governor’s Scholar: Chase Bourbon Womelsdorf concluded the senior address with encouragement.

“You have the power to create the life you want, to make a difference in the world and to leave a lasting legacy,” she said. “Let’s celebrate this momentous occasion. Let’s embrace the future with open hearts and open minds. Let’s continue to support and inspire one another, no matter where life takes us.”